← Back to all guidesUpdated Sep 28, 2026
LinkedIn's archive is one of the few that exports to CSV by default. Connections.csv, Messages.csv, Jobs.csv open in Excel without any parsing. This guide covers what is in the archive and what the profile-viewer log reveals about who is checking on your career.
Written by Charles
Export at a glance
Request method
In-product settings
Archive format
CSV, JSON, ZIP
Sensitivity
Medium: communications, purchase records
Primary use
Backup: preserve a copy for yourself
Archive file map
Top-level structure of the export. Each entry is a file or directory with its format badge and what it contains.
Connections.csvCSVYour network list: connections with name, company, role, when connected
Messages/CSVMessage history: conversations with attachments
Profile.csvCSVProfile and account details
Jobs.csvCSVSaved jobs and job application activity
Invitations.csvCSVSent and received invitations
SearchHistory.csvCSVYour LinkedIn searches
Endorsements_Received.csvCSVSkills endorsements you have received
Recommendations_Given.csvCSVRecommendations you have written for others
Recommendations_Received.csvCSVRecommendations others have written for you
What LinkedIn stores
- Connections and invite history
- Messages and attachments
- Profile changes and account info
- Saved jobs and job applications
- Search history
- Endorsements and recommendations
- Advertising and interest data
What formats you get
LinkedIn exports a mix of CSV, JSON, and sometimes HTML-like files. The CSV files are especially useful because they open cleanly in Excel or Google Sheets.
How to request the export
- Open LinkedIn and go to Settings & Privacy.
- Go to Data privacy.
- Choose Get a copy of your data.
- Select the data categories you want.
- Request the archive and wait for the email.
- Download the ZIP when it is ready.
What is inside the archive
- Connections.csv: your network list
- Messages/: message history
- Profile.csv: profile and account details
- Jobs.csv: saved jobs and application activity
- Invitations.csv: sent and received invitations
What to do after downloading
- Open the CSV files in a spreadsheet and review your network
- Store the archive in a folder named linkedin-2026-04
- Keep a second copy off-site in encrypted cloud storage
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
Can I export my LinkedIn connections?
Yes, that is one of the most useful files in the export.
Does LinkedIn include messages?
Yes, message history is included when you request the full archive.
Can I open the data in Excel?
Yes, the CSV files are easy to open in Excel or Google Sheets.
Last verified: Sep 3, 2026. Steps checked against www.linkedin.com. Report an outdated step →